Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Ivy at an Ivy League

Traditions: Each year, Princeton University's graduating class adds a sprig of ivy to the walls of Nassau Hall (the former US capitol...and Revolutionary War target!).
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P.S. The term Ivy League evokes prestigious universities, but originally referred to an athletic league.

18 comments:

William Kendall said...

Good shot and a lot of history.

I see ivy here too... and often wonder what it's doing to the wall it grows on

Hilda said...

That sounds like a wonderful tradition. I love the mossy stone walls too. We have climbing plants, but not ivy, which is sad because I really like the shape of their leaves.

Linda said...

Romantic photo! I've heard that ivy is bad for walls though. In fact it's considered an invasive species here in Virginia.

Angel Sánchez-Marco said...

Bonitas tradiciones para una universidad como
es la de Princeton.
Un saludo, Ángel

cieldequimper said...

I didn't know about the athletic league... Ivy is said to be pretty bad for walls but it's such a lovely tradition!

Joe said...

You have caught the light in this one really well. It enhances the mossy green tones with a warm but subtle glow. Bravo.

orvokki said...

Great image. And very old traditio.

Peter said...

What a lovely light, late or early?

EG CameraGirl said...

I didn't know the Ivy League was originally and athletic one! Fascinating!

Mersad said...

Such a lovely spot, and image of course too!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Super shot Lulu, I have lots of ivy in the garden but I have to really keep it under control or it takes over :)

LOLfromPasa said...

Neat bit of American history that is so interesting. Lovely photo to go with it too!

Lisa Gordon said...

This is so pretty, Jude!

Jack said...

At the rate of one sprig for every graduating class, when will wi be entirely covered?

And, quick, can you name the eight Ivy League schools without looking them up?

Norma said...

Where did the term "Ivy League" come from, anyway?

LONDONLULU said...

Thanks everyone! Peter - it is late afternoon light:) Jack - ha, scarily I actually know them all but will spare you recitation:) Norma - apparently the 'planting of ivy' is a tradition once used at the other ivy colleges - acc. to Wikipedia, a journalist began using the term to refer to the group of colleges and it grew from there.

Randy said...

Nice shot.

Rosie Grey said...

Beautiful!